How to Paint Screens

How to Paint Screens. Doors often create a focal point for the front of the house. Many people custom paint and decorate their doors to draw attention to their homes; bright red doors are very popular. In the warmer months, you may open the door to let in fresh air, but you still want a great custom look for your entrance. Painting the screen can be a wonderful way to express your creativity. Read on to learn how to paint screens.

Things You'll Need

Screen

Paint

Wire brush

Blue painters tape

Brushes

Polyurethane

Toothpick

Stencil (optional: use if creating a design)

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Clean the screen very well. Use a wire brush if there is any rust on the screen. Let it dry completely before beginning.

Test your skill and the colors you choose before beginning. Paint a small screen or buy a small piece of screen made of the same material as your screen door and paint it. If using a stencil to make a design, test your painting on an old screen that is the same size as yours.

Take the screen off. Put it on an isolated surface where the screen can stay for a few days as each coat dries. Use a dark surface so you can see through the holes. Cover the area with an old black cloth if it is not dark enough.

Tape the edges of the frame with blue painters tape. If you miss tiny edges because of the tape, it is easier to go back and touch up with a small brush than to get paint off the frame.

Brush on paint very lightly for every coat. You do not want to clog the holes. Paint the screen with at least two coats of paint, even if you plan to put a design on afterwards. If paint clogs the holes, poke them out with a toothpick after the paint dries.

Use the blue painters tape to outline your design after the second coat is dry. Roll the tape under the pattern if you are using a stencil.

Spray or lightly paint two coats of polyurethane over the entire screen after you are finished to protect your custom work.